Clack, Clack! Smack! a Cherokee Stickball Story

Starred review from June 1, 2024
Two Cherokee teams play a game of stickball in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Vann feels insecure about having missed a key shot in last week's match. "Stickball requires speed," after all, and his "towering body" won't cooperate. As Vann and his team, the Eagles, take to the field against the Redhawks, they "zip," "chase," and "rush" for the ball, their wooden sticks clashing with a "CLACK, CLACK!" Coach gives the team a pep talk in Tsalagi, the Cherokee language. He reminds them of gadugi, the importance of working together. As the players return to the field to finish the game, Vann's best friend, Jesse, gives him an encouraging smile. The game is now tied. Can Vann and his team win? Sorell and Erb, both members of the Cherokee Nation, deliver an uplifting story of team spirit and collaboration; the emphasis is on group triumphs rather than individual victories. Writing in terse, alliterative prose--"a tackle, a twist, and a wrong turn"--Sorell skillfully builds tension as she choreographs this action-packed game. Erb's thick-lined cartoon illustrations have a pleasing solidity; they capture the chaos and drama of the game and depict players with a range of brown skin tones. The story features frequent Tsalagi words and phrases. Backmatter stresses the importance of keeping the Cherokee language alive and explains the significance of stickball, which traditionally was used to settle conflicts. Stand and cheer for this fast-paced tale of sportsmanship and community. (Tsalagi glossary, photographs) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from July 8, 2024
Teamwork makes the dream work in this stickball-centered picture book from Cherokee creators Sorell and Erb. Haunted by missing the final shot in the previous game, Cherokee player Vann also worries about his speed: “His towering body isn’t fast. Smaller teammates—like Vann’s best friend, Jesse—zip across the field.” In English and Tsalagi, the game progresses as the coach encourages the team to “work together—gadugi—an important Cherokee value.” Onomatopoeic text relays the “CLACK CLACK” of play while subtly outlining the sport, and bold-lined digital illustrations capture the fast-moving match alongside the ample community watching from the sidelines, making for a work that supplies a strong sense of camaraderie and competition—and allows for values to win the day. A Tsalagi glossary and notes about stickball and language conclude. Ages 4–7.

August 1, 2024

K-Gr 2-Sorell's high-energy and uplifting story proves that team spirit can make true success. Vann doubts his abilities and contributions to the team's success as the stick game progresses. Ultimately, Vann recognizes that despite the differences among them, they all can contribute an important role, which starts with trusting in himself. Emerging readers can relate to Vann and this doubt that comes from being a part of a team and not wanting to let them down. The illustrations successfully portray the high emotions that come with an intense game. With the inclusion of Tsalagi (Cherokee) vocabulary, the surrounding context still allows non-Cherokee readers to grasp the meaning of the words in real time. There is also an included glossary of words that were in the story, including the Tsalagi syllabary, English transliteration, pronunciation, and meaning. VERDICT This fast-paced and exciting reflective story on sportsmanship and overcoming self-doubt provides concise representation into Cherokee cultural activities while keeping the story relatable to many growing readers.-Kaitlin Srader

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2024
A boy with "a towering body" has trouble keeping up with his teammates in this story about stickball, a popular sport in Cherokee communities that resembles lacrosse and basketball. Despite Vann's lack of speed, encouragement from his coach and fellow players gives him the confidence to assist in the winning play. Sorrell's lively text is paired with Erb's cartoonish digital illustrations with stylized proportions. A glossary of Tsalagi (Cherokee) words and author's notes about the language and stickball are appended.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)